This story is part of the “Scholarship Stories: Where Are They Now?” series, highlighting the journeys of AUA alumni whose education was made possible through donor-supported scholarships. This story features an AUA graduate who received support from the Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund, which played a key role in their academic and professional development.
For Armen Pirumyan (MBA ’16), choosing the American University of Armenia (AUA) meant staying close to home while accessing the highest quality of education available. “AUA has always been known for its strong academic excellence and high standards of professionalism,” he shares, reflecting on the hopes he carried into his application of growing both academically and personally in a supportive and challenging environment.
“When I found out I had received the scholarship, I felt relieved,” Armen recalls. “At the time, I was not able to afford the full tuition fee. It lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and made it possible to attend AUA.”
The support extended beyond finances, opening the door to an invaluable academic experience. With the scholarship covering tuition, he no longer had to take on part-time jobs to pay for his education. Instead, he spent countless evenings in the library, immersing himself in his studies. “It gave me the freedom to fully commit to my academic growth,” Armen says.
After graduation, he began a career in auditing and now holds the position of senior auditor at Aregak Universal Credit Organization. The skills he developed at AUA — critical thinking, teamwork, communication — continue to shape his day-to-day work. “The classes at AUA offered a strong balance between theory and practical application. This prepared me to approach real-world challenges with both knowledge and confidence,” he explains.
Looking back, Armen is deeply aware of how transformative the scholarship was, not only in terms of education, but also in shaping his outlook. “It definitely deepened my appreciation for generosity and showed me how life-changing access to education can be,” he says. “I felt a strong responsibility not to disappoint the people who believed in me.”
Now, as a graduate, Armen is committed to giving back. He has already contributed to the AUA Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund several times and plans to continue doing so. “Even a small act of support can go a long way in shaping someone’s future,” he says.
To the donors who made his journey possible, Armen extends a heartfelt message: “Thank you for your support. Your contribution truly made a difference in my life.”